In Episode #81, I have an enlightening conversation with Pharmacist Jessica Beal concerning the affect medications have on athletic performance. The conversation begins with Jessica sharing the sports she played as a youth athlete. She discusses which sport was her favorite, why it was her favorite and what inspired her to get involved in sports. Jessica shares, in detail, what prescribed medications she took as a college athlete and how those medications affected her athletic and social life. Jessica goes on to offer great insight into how certain medications can affect two athletes completely different. Jessica discusses what type of athletes she works with now and how she handles their athletic performance based on the medications they're taking. With PED's (Performance Enhancing Drugs) being a constant topic around sports, Jessica breaks down, in simple terms, the difference between PED's and over-the-counter medication and how they affect performance. She touches on how nutrition can aid in improving performance and possibly eliminating the use of medication. Finally, Jessica offers sound and knowledgeable advice to parents, athletes and coaches when it comes to being informed about how medication can and will affect athletic performance. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways' from the episode.

This is a very informative and useful interview. I suggest every parent, coach, athletic trainer and athlete listen to this.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

Support the show

In Episode #80, I have a discussion about Depression with the co-host of the Big Bad Morning Show, in Baltimore, Jeremy Conn. Jeremy opens up about the childhood trauma that he endured and what became the root of his battle with depression. Jeremy shares what his childhood was like, the dynamics of his home-life and which sport was his "getaway." Jeremy goes in-depth about his multiple suicide attempts and what ultimately led him to seek help. He also discusses his altruistic motives and who was the inspiration behind them. We cover his selfless community and charity work, and the local Baltimore sports fan who captured his heart.

Whether you're dealing with depression or not, or maybe you know someone who is, everyone needs to listen to this heart-felt, touching and honest episode. It's sure to move you.

Support the show

In Episode #79, I have a conversation with a friend of the show and reoccurring guest, mental health expert Dr. Melissa Tate-Scruse. The topic of conversation is about Character. Dr. Tate-Scruse begins by explaining what her thoughts and vision is when it comes to the meaning of Character. We then transition to discussing how society views character and if having good character has gone by the wayside over the years. We discuss the, at best, questionable character by those in the entertainment and political realm. that has been in the news cycle over the past several months. Dr. Tate-Scruse sheds some important light on how parents should handle this confusing situation and what they need to do to ensure their kids are not being swayed by what they see on tv and social media. We also tackle the issue of brawls in sports and what can be done from a teaching and instilling good morals standpoint to curtail these incidents despite sports being highly emotional. Finally, Dr. Tate-Scruse offers her advice to kids who may be confused or struggling with what they're being taught at home compared to what they see on tv and how to decide what's right and what's wrong. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways' from the episode.

I recommend that you listen to this insightful and though-provoking episode. Dr. Tate-Scruse offers sound judgement and advice.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

Support the show

In Episode #78, my guest is Registered Dietician Mia. Mia is from Dallas, Texas and attended Texas Tech University, where she was the R.D. for many of the athletic programs. Mia explains the significant differences between a R.D. and a Nutritionist. She explains why nutrition and hydration is so vital to peak athletic performance. We discuss the different nutrition and hydration needs between age groups as well as one sport to another. Mia what the healthy options are at convenience stores when parents and athletes are pressed for time. We talk about the nutrition and hydration needs are between in-season and off-season. In depth, Mia explains when it's a good time to use hydration replenishing drinks and if it's better to consume electrolyte drinks or just water. Finally, Mia offers her advice to athletes, coaches and parents when it comes to proper nutrition and hydration. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways.'

Mia offers great information and advice in the very informative interview. I suggest athletes and parents of athletes listen to this episode.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

Support the show

In Episode #77, I have a sobering and uplifting conversation with Retired Atlanta Detective and now, Founder and CEO of Clippers and Cops Tyrone Dennis. Clipper and Cops is a grassroots program to help young kids in trouble and also to bridge the divide between communities and the police. We began our discussion talking about Tyrone's childhood growing up in St. Louis. He shared what he went through and the things he encountered as young kid in one of the worst neighborhoods in St. Louis. Tyrone discussed the sports he played and which sport, not only propelled him to do great things in his life but which sport, according to him, ultimately saved his life. Tyrone shares what led him to Atlanta and his experiences as a Police Officer then subsequently a Detective in Atlanta. We discuss, in detail, how he created the Clippers and Cops program and the number of young kids the program has helped and will continue to help. Tyrone shares his vision for the Clippers and Cops program and how communities across the country and worldwide can get involved. Finally, Tyrone shares his advice for families when it comes to parenting young kids. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways.'

I strongly urge everyone to listen to this interview. There's power in numbers and power in togetherness.

As always, thanks for listening. Take Care.

Support the Show.

In Episode #76, the Life After Sports episode is completed with former high school and college football player David. We begin Part 2 of the episode discussing David's thought on #2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft Cameron Brink's ACL injury during a game back on June 18th. From there, we pick up where we left of from Part 1. We talk about how David felt mentally and emotionally the first few days and week following his decision to stop playing football. David also shares what kind of toll the decision took on him and how he was able to get through it. We discuss what David is doing these days and what his future plans and goals are. Finally, David offers his advice to young athletes who may face the same decision he did. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways' for young athletes when dealing with living life after sports.

I recommend all parents of young athletes, coaches and athletes to listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of this episode.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

Support the Show.

In Episode #75, I have an honest and sobering discussion with former high school and college football player name David. David shares what got him interested in playing sports and, in particular, football at a very young age. We discuss his talent, athleticism and success as a youth football player. The conversation moves to his high school playing days. It's during that time period where David would encounter two severe injuries that ultimately forces him to make a very tough decision. David is candid and open about those injuries and how they affected him, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. David talks about the support group he had around him during those tough days and what it took for him to keep going. David reveals what finally led up to him making a tough decision on his future and his thoughts on that decision. Finally, David offers his advice to young athletes when it comes playing sports and how to deal with life afterwards. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways.'
I encourage all young athletes, parents and coaches to listen to this and the upcoming Part II episode of this very real and probable outcome for many athletes.

As always, thanks for listening. Take Care.

Support the Show.

In Episode #74, I have a discussion with recurring guest Dr. Julie Stamm, PhD. She is an expert in repetitive head impacts and the author of The Brain on Youth Sports: The science, The myths and The Future. Dr. Stamm begins with explaining what a concussion is and how it occurs. She goes on to explain what a Guardian Cap is and how it's suppose to protect athletes. We discuss the possible change in terminology surrounding concussions and head impacts, and what that may mean moving forward. Dr. Stamm offers her opinion on the mandate and what that means for athletes in the future. She also offers her opinion on the efficacy of the Guardian Cap and if the mandate is just for "optics." Finally, Dr. Stamm offers her advice to parents and coaches when it comes to relying on the Guardian Cap for safety and preventing concussions. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways.' As usual, Dr. Stamm is informative and insightful. If you have or coach an athlete, I suggest you listen to this and the previous episodes that Dr. Stamm was a guest on.

As always, thanks for listening. Take Care.

Support the Show.